ZL-SOTA. Warren (ZL2AJ) and Emma https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com
Summits On The Air Wed, 07 Feb 2018 08:11:58 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngZL-SOTA. Warren (ZL2AJ) and Emma https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com
Te Tapui – The Reservehttps://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/te-tapui-the-reserve/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/te-tapui-the-reserve/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 08:06:14 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4234This summit has been bugging me for some time. I mean – who needs a track right? Well on Waitangi afternoon me and Myah thought we could do it. The main spur up to the 380m line was ok – but then we turned left into some major vine material and it took us 20 minutes to make 200 metres of progress. Once we got above 400m it cleared out and we headed for the summit. This one was harder than we thought.

The photos I did manage to take didnt come out so unfortunately there is just a map with a squiggly line to show for our efforts, and 11 contacts in the log including a summit to summit with Kyle ZL2KGF on ZL1/TN-006. At the top there were a lot of mossy volcanic rocks around which made a pleasant change from leaves and dirt.

The tramp down was less viney due to the alternate path we chose however it was very easy to slip of the side of the spur (as can be seen) so a few course corrections were required.

Do not attempt this summit without good navigational aids.

Details

Summit – ZL1/WK-135 Te Tapui

Height –492 m (height gain of 330 m)

Access – 969 – 1269 Piakonui Road. There is room to park near the DoC sign. Follow the orange triangles into the bush edge. From there follow the spur to the top o fthe ridge, Turn left and head up the summit. There are pink ribbons marking out a trappers track which closely follow the route to take. Stay on the south side of the saddle to avoid the vines. Note we have turned the map landscape so North in the image is to the left.

Nominal time to summit – About a 30 minute drive from Morrinsville. 1.5 hours to the summit (if you manage to miss the vines).

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – very patchy.

Repeater coverage – 695 is S5.

Summit Marker – None – GPS essential.

Land Access Permission – DOC Land – not required. However hunting permits may be issued so take extreem care during hunting season.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/te-tapui-the-reserve/feed/0Screenshot_20180206-201828zlsotawarrenemmaPurahotangihia – Darkys Spurhttps://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/purahotangihia-darkys-spur/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/purahotangihia-darkys-spur/#respondFri, 02 Feb 2018 06:25:07 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4220Rounding up an eventful start to 2018 meant a trip to Hawkes Bay… to collect our animals from Hotel 501 after a good month away. No trip with Warren can be escaped without finding a summit so on the Sunday we ventured out to a spot we had visited a while back and found the land owners were not home so were not able to access the their land where the summit lays. Today we were in luck and after a quick health and safety induction to the property we were off up the farm track, luckily only one gate to open today. Warren had used this summit in the past to deploy portable repeaters for car rallies and the like for event communications so the summit was not new in so much as we knew our way around here. Just this time it was for a SOTA activation.

A good hour at the summit saw Warren getting his needed contacts. Unfortunately with the handheld being left on it was HF or bust. Starting on 14 MHz we made 11 contacts to VK and ZL, then on 7 MHz a further 4 contacts. Despite chasing 2 other activators no Summit to summit contacts were made this time.

Short and sweet from us on the blog front this time. This is a nice easy summit once you gain permission from the land owner. As always leave gates on the farm land as you find them and as with anywhere out in nature – take your rubbish home with you.

Details

Summit – ZL1/HB-099 Purahotangihia

Height –631 m

Access – From SH2, left into Kaiwaka Rd, Left into Waipunga then right into Turnbull Rd. 140 Turnbull “Kowhai Downs” head to the house and get permission from Dave. Follow the gravel track up then up the airstrip. At the top of the airstrip turn right and follow the quad track to the summit.

Nominal time to summit – About a 30 minute drive from Napier.

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – good coverage.

Repeater coverage – 670 and 725 easy..

Summit Marker – Trig.

Land Access Permission – Required. The owners David and Jill? live onsite and were friendly.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/purahotangihia-darkys-spur/feed/0coverzlsotawarrenemmaSpringbrook Summit – the easiest 8 pointer around.https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/26/springbrook-summit-the-easiest-8-pointer-around/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/26/springbrook-summit-the-easiest-8-pointer-around/#respondFri, 26 Jan 2018 04:30:28 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4201After fare-welling sunny Norfolk Island it was back to the tropical heat of Brisbane again and on up to Springbrook. Just quietly Warren hadn’t done his research to what was in the area other than the summit and accommodation for our two nights there and so we had to make a trip back to civilization to get dinner. On that note, if you are wanting to make a trip to Springbrook to activate the summit and you are not local to the area, do your research, take supplies into the National park with you or stay in civlization and drive in when you are ready to do the activation. Luckily the drive from Brisbane airport to Springbrook wasn’t major and neither was our drive back from our Springbrook accommodation at Dancing Waters Cottage to Surfers Paradise where we found dinner for the night. Luckily our accommodation was over the top of a cafe so by morning we were all good for food.

Springbrook summit is a very easy drive through the National Park right to the summits doorstep in the car-park at the beginning of the walk way to the a nearby look out spot which is frequented by many, including tourist buses, these photo’s will show you why – the view was worth seeing that is for sure.

Right, down the point of the blog, cause while its good to have some background for the non local’s no one is really here to here about our honeymoon adventures on a radio blog, right?!?

The summit car park is the activation zone (top car park at the entry to the walk way to the look out) and there is obviously no view from there so as you can see its well worth wandering along the 350meter track to see the views. Freedom campers had left their marks in a few spots which although not the greatest, certainly did not affect the SOTA activation of the summit.

While 7 MHz was a let down I stumbled across a couple of VHF contesters on 146.500. I could only work one however, VK4OE. While he was on a summit he wasn’t a true /P station so I couldnt claim the S2S. The contact never the less was gratefully received. On 14 MHz I had a blast working many VKs and ZLs. A jump to 21 MHz for a few more contacts. Lastly I knew Andrew ZL3CC was close to summiting so we waited for him to come QRV and worked Andrew from Mt Herbert for the S2S. That ended our activation so time to pack up and go sight seeing. Around Springbrook there are plenty of beautiful vantage points, waterfalls and a natural bridge to see.

Details

Summit – VK4/SE-011 Springbrook Mountain

Height –1010 m

Access – From highway 99 – follow the signs to “The best of all lookout” at the end of repeater station road.

Nominal time to summit – About a 90 minute drive from Brisbane.

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – good coverage.

Repeater coverage – 670 (with 123.0 CTCSS).

Summit Marker – Top carpark, Airways repeater tower..

Land Access Permission – Not required.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/26/springbrook-summit-the-easiest-8-pointer-around/feed/020180114_161837zlsotawarrenemmaNorfolk’s lone summit – Mt Bateshttps://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/norfolks-lone-summit-mt-bates/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/norfolks-lone-summit-mt-bates/#respondThu, 25 Jan 2018 07:46:30 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4178So recently we made a trip to Norfolk. Yeah we have heard it all before, why Norfolk? …..You know that is where the oldies go right? Well that suited us just fine, the slower pace the quieter life and while that certainly was reflected on the Island there is more to do than you think, yes, including a lone summit for activation. It is virtually a drive to, with a 500meter easy walk to boot, though in the heat it made the stroll seem a bit longer as you can well imagine. Yes we were on honeymoon and yes SOTA did feature….more than once, but more about that activation in another blog post.

Mount Bates can be accessed from a few points, but we took the drive almost to the top option since we really were on holiday and here to relax not slog it out in the heat and walk for miles up hills. Basically you can drive around the entire Island in a day so it really isn’t a big deal and there is no specialist vehicle’s or fitness levels required to activate Mount Bates.

Entry to the walk way to Mount Bates is from Mount Pitt car-park (there are others, however this is the one we chose) Its a well maintained track, not like any we have come across here in NZ, almost like someone has been in there with a ride on mower in fact. From there it is a short 500meter walk across to Mount Bates Summit, with a few stop points for looking out at the view.

While there is not a huge amount of “view” from Mount bates due to bush land there is a few spots to peek out and see some of the Island from the top, with Excavations at the top are relics of a WWII radar station.

Shade was limited at the top but we managed to find a spot along a fence and sit ourselves down for the next few hours to catch some contacts. We started out on 14 MHz and quickly made the first 4 contacts. With no cell data we text Kyle ZL2KGF to spot for us on sotawatch. After that the contacts kept coming, including a summit to summit with VK2JDL on VK2/IL-007. The callsign was a bit of a pain but after 18 contacts we gave 21 MHz a go and gathered another 3 contacts. I thought I would give 28 MHz a go and made 2 contacts but it was fairly poor so back to 21 MHz for another 8 contacts at which the radio shut down. I’m not sure whether it was battery or heat but that had been 2 hours and the contacts had all but dried up so time to pack up. 31 contacts in total including FK8IK from New Caledonia. Contacts have been uploaded to LoTW as official VK9N as well.

While I played radio Emma had a nap under a tree and sometimes I thought that was a far better idea and often called while lying on my back staring at the clouds and a pair of birds circling high above. But then someone would respond to my call and I would have to get up and start filling in the log. This is definitely a summit to put on the must do list, as you get an island holiday to go with. This one ois gri’.

Details

Summit – VK9/NO-001 Mount Bates

Height –319 m (net ascent from Mt Pitt = 1 m)

Access – From summit of Mt Pitt, Mount Pitt Road

Nominal time to summit – About a 20 – 30 minute walk

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – Voice and text only – no data.

Repeater coverage – nil.

Summit Marker – Information boards and lookout site.

Land Access Permission – National park, not required.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/norfolks-lone-summit-mt-bates/feed/0DSC08565zlsotawarrenemmaThe hill near Clevedon ZL1/AK-018https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/the-hill-near-clevedon-zl1-ak-018/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/the-hill-near-clevedon-zl1-ak-018/#respondSat, 06 Jan 2018 07:54:10 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4166We had a bit of choosing to do before we selected this summit to activate. Other contenders were ZL1/WK-200 which we discovered was on private land, ZL1/WK-141, which we found was a 5 hour walk without permission, and ZL1/WK-054 which was probably a bit to big for us to manage today. So with a bit of advice from John ZL1BYZ we selected this summit ZL1/AK-018. While it is unnamed on the map it is right above the town of Clevedon, South East Auckland. It also is part of Te Araroa, or so we thought.

At the end of Thorps Quarry Road in Clevedon is a scout hall with a car park and amenities. Follow the main track from there over the swing bridge (or through the ford if you prefer) and head up from there. Turn right at both the track junctions and follow your way to the look out platform. However be aware – this is not the summit. If you look East you will see 2 higher hills. The left hand one is the true summit. Once you have taken the prescribed amount of photographs and sight seeing in, head back the way you came for about one minute and you will see an orange triangle pointing left at about eye level. This is the track to the true summit. This track is not well kept and could do with some gardening, however if you follow the orange triangles you will go over the first lump to get to the second lump where the trig is located. The trig is slightly off the track but the track passes through the activation zone.

We made it to the top and worked John and Jackie on VHF before settling in to lunch then getting set up for HF. The contact with John completed the summit for both of us. On HF the bands were a little difficult. We started on 14 MHz and worked Gerard and Rick from Australia and then Phil from Auckland (ground wave?). Then we QSYd to 7 MHz and added John ZL1DT, Geoff ZL3QR and Kyle ZL2KGF in the log. While I was working ZL2KGF I noticed my power meter on the KX3 was not as enthusiastic as it usually is. A check revealed I was only running 3 Watts. I pushed it back up to 10 Watts and while Kyle said I improved it did not add any more contacts to the log. So we packed up and headed back down to an ice cream and fresh up from the Clevedon dairy.

This one is a relatively easy one to do if you are aware of the track that spurs off near the lookout. If you take a slasher with you and prune the gorse I think we all would be thankful.

Details

Summit – ZL1/AK-018

Height –257 m (You pretty much climb all of this)

Access – From scout hall carpark, end of Thorps Quarry Road, Clevedon. See text for directions.

Nominal time to summit – About a 90 minute walk

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – 4G on Voda.

Repeater coverage – 6625 easy copy from summit.

Summit Marker – Trig.

Land Access Permission – Clevedon reserve – not required however there are houses up there and you cross into their land so be respectful.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/the-hill-near-clevedon-zl1-ak-018/feed/09zlsotawarrenemmaMapMount Erin ZL1/HB-116https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/mount-erin-zl1-hb-116/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/mount-erin-zl1-hb-116/#respondFri, 29 Dec 2017 09:32:05 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4164It turns out we had a bit of spare time after installing the APRS digi and reactivating ZL1/HB-130 Threeve. So with Dave ZL2DW on board (who has access to commercial sites) we thought we would give Mt Erin a quick activation. This one is a drive up but requires permission from an authorised technician. As you can see from the photos it was a warm one out so sunshade was essential.

This is the site of FM broadcast and Television for Hawkes Bay so expect a bit of site noise. Luckily for us it wasn’t too bad – especially now the analogue TV transmitters have been switched off. Even so with conditions low contacts were hard going. A VHF contact to Ray ZL2RB then 7 MHz added John,Jackie and Phil. I switched up to 14 MHz but only managed one further contact to VK4TJ. Attempts to contact Gerard who was also on a summit on 14, 18 and 21 MHz were unsuccessful.

After attempts for further contacts seemingly futile and my time running out it was a quick packup and back down we went.

Details

Summit – ZL1/HB-116 – Mount Erin

Height –490 m (some older maps show 489 m)

Access – From 993 Middle Rd, follow the 4wd track to the summit

Nominal time to summit – About 30 – 45 minutes from Hastings

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – Patchy – ok if you stand in the right place.

Repeater coverage – 670 and 725 are easily accessible from the summit.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/mount-erin-zl1-hb-116/feed/0coverzlsotawarrenemmaKaipawa Trig ZL1/WK-113https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/kaipawa-trig-zl1-wk-113/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/kaipawa-trig-zl1-wk-113/#respondFri, 22 Dec 2017 21:28:18 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4144For our next summit we decided a trip up to Coromandel was in order. The plan was to knock out a couple of 2 pointers with a swim in between but as you will see that didnt eventuate. The drive up to Coromandel takes a bit – being roughly 3 hours from home. A good chance for the kids to get a nap. Kaipawa trig can be accessed from the North and South. Recently Dave VK2NU activated the summit from the South track so we thought we would try from the North. At the top of Kennedy bay road there are access ways to the north and south. We took the south access which required 4 wheel drive and found the start of the track. This was a useful headstart to the summit.

The track is a lot of ups and downs, some quite steep in places, but nothing requiring chains or stairs. Across the tops are fantastic views to the east and west of the peninsula and into Coromandel.

Once at the top I worked ZL1AAF Ross on 146 MHz who I had been talking to on the drive up. Then once set up on HF I worked Jackie and John on 40 who were activating Klondyke. A nice S2S. With no other takers on 40 we switched to 20 and added another 2 VKs and 2 ZLs to the log. A total of 7 contacts. Just as I was attempting to arrange another contact the heavens opened up and rain set in. A very quick pack up and we were off.

With full on rain the track was a bit slippery in places on the way out and we were thoroughly soaked. Once we got back to the car it eased off but any thoughts of the beach or another summit had passed in lieu of an icecream and home.

Details

Summit – ZL1/WK-113 – Kaipawa

Height –586 m (height gain of roughly 100m)

Access – From the top of Kennedy Bay Rd, there is an access way on either side of the road. If you have a decent 4 wheel drive vehicle turn to the south track and follow the track to a signed park just below the radio tower. For other vehicles use the north track and park up. Walk the 4wd track.

While in Christchurch doing a block course for my engineering diploma, I decided to catch a summit. Mount Alford had not been activated yet so I decided it was a good one to put in the log. During the drive out I drove through several shower bands and was struggling to convince myself this was still a good idea. I rechecked the metservice forecast and it did not show any signs of rain so I persevered. From the car park to the summit is a tough walk – for me at least. The track was in good condition and the shelter in the lower part of the track was appreciated. Most of the way up the summit was capped in cloud which I thought would be disappointing, however as I summited the cloud lifted up enough to give me great views of the plains in front and the mountains behind.

From the summit I had my lunch, and got on the air. A quick squawk on the handheld got me my first contact from Geoff ZL3QR. I deployed the dipole onto 40 and worked John ZL1BYZ although he said my copy was weak. More VHF while CQing on 40 then 20 then 17. No more contacts on HF other than I heard Jackie 59+ and the radio shut down from low battery! O the pain! Another contact on VHF brought me to a total of 8 contacts from this summit, but only 1 on HF. Chucked everything back in the pack and headed back down.

This was a good walk but it isn’t a quick summit. My legs were feeling it for the following few days, and I may have got a little sun burnt as well despite the cloud cover. All an all a nice 4 points added to the log bringing my activator score to 199 and my uniques count to 75.

Details

Summit – ZL3/CB-568 – Mount Alford

Height –1171 m (height gain of 610m)

Access – Carpark is at the end of Alford Forest Settlement Road. From there the track goes across farmland, through gates and up the mountain. The track is clearly marked.

Nominal time to summit – About 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. 3.5 hour walk to summit.

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – Limited coverage – if you stand in the right place you can get spots out.

Repeater coverage – 705 is easily accessible from the summit.

Summit Marker – Cairn + marker pole.

Land Access Permission – Not required – DoC Land, however access is forbidden between 20 September and 20 October.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/11/16/mount-alford-zl3-cb-568/feed/020171111_143024zlsotawarrenemmaDon Juan ZL1/HB-061https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/don-juan-zl1hb-061/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/don-juan-zl1hb-061/#respondTue, 26 Sep 2017 08:32:54 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4056On the southern end of the Kaweka Ranges is a summit called Don Juan. We decided this would be a good summit to activate during our weekend in Hawkes Bay. The drive out to this one takes a little while but the walk is fairly moderate with a 250 m ascent. A good bit of huff and puff for a Saturday afternoon with some radio and views.

The track started out with a push up, but it wasn’t to severe. It leveled out however there were plenty of wild pines that had blown across the track to navigate. A final steep climb up to the trig and we were there. The trig is slightly off the track but easily visible. In any case the track passes through the activation zone. Unfortunately the views were a bit limited to gaps in the fauna but what we could see was great. The wind wasnt to friendly today however so we hunkered down for lunch and SOTA.

A VHF contact to Ray ZL2RB kicked off the session. 40 metres was a no go, although I heard a couple of stations calling this band was not in the mood to play radio. I switched down to 80 and made easy contacts around ZL. 20 was open to VK so a few more contacts were added to the log. A total of 9 contacts made for a happy activator. I was surprised 80 worked as well as it did. There wasnt really enough real estate to fully stretch out the 80 metre section of the dipole so it had a few kinks in it, and was merely 2 metres above the ground. Amazing what you can do just by having the right bands available.

Take care crossing the 2 fords on Locktow road. Emma’s front wheel drive Honda made it ok but it did make her a little nervous. My 4wd Land Rover is in the shop unfortunately.

Details

Summit – ZL1/HB-061 – Don Juan

Height –943 m

Access – Follow Puketitiri Rd past Puketitiri, turn left into Whittle then left into Locktow Rd (just after the quarry). Park up at the end of the road (take care through the 2 ford crossings). Follow track markers to Don Juan summit (turn left near start of track as per sign then carry on to the top).

Nominal time to summit – 45 minute drive from Hastings. About a 1.5 hour walk to the summit.

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – Limited coverage – if you stand in the right place you can get spots out.

Repeater coverage – 670, 725 access from summit only.

Summit Marker – Trig

Land Access Permission – Not required – DoC Land.

]]>https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/don-juan-zl1hb-061/feed/05zlsotawarrenemmaMount Karioihttps://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/mount-karioi/
https://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/2017/08/31/mount-karioi/#respondThu, 31 Aug 2017 09:33:26 +0000http://emmaandwarenzlsotazl2aj.wordpress.com/?p=4008For our next challenge we decided we would give Karioi a go. Karioi is an extinct volcano just south of Raglan. It has been on our to do list for a while so on Sunday we set out. The weather was a bit cooler than we usually climb in but it made for a comfortable walk up.

The track through the farmland starts out gentle until you reach the final paddock where it is a push up to the bush line. From there it is a gentle incline through the bush until you near the summit where it gets gradually steeper until you encounter ladders for the final ascent. Typical volcano. The track was well marked and we had no problem letting the kids go off ahead of us sloweys. We carry portable radios to keep in touch just incase.

Once at the top we were just under the cloudline but could see Aotea and Kawhia Harbour to the South, and Raglan harbour to the North. The wind was a bit cool on the summit so we found shelter and got set up while eating lunch. Myah hunkered down in a hole in the rock. I managed to work John ZL1BYZ and Jackie ZL1WA on VHF simplex from the handheld and he offered to spot me as the mobile coverage was hit and miss. On 40 I worked Geoff and Bev ZL3QR and ZL3OV who also wanted the grid square for another award. ZL3NB Bill also showed up from Christchurch just before I moved up to 20. There I had a good collection of VKs reply to my calls and had a good collection in the log before we packed up and started our way back.

Wyatt was keen on power walking down the hill so I tried to keep pace with him as Myah and Emma took a slower pace down. Once back at the car we took a backroad to Raglan and dined on fish and chips from Kopua domain.

Details

Summit – ZL1/WK-063 – Mount Karioi

Height –756 m

Access – Follow Highway 23 towards Raglan. Turn left into Te Mata Road (signs for Bridal Veil Falls), right into Ruapuke Rd then right into Karioi Road. Park up by the signs then follow the orange triagles through the farm then through the bush to the top.

Nominal time to summit – 30 minute drive from Hamilton. ABout a 2-3 hour walk to the summit.

Mobile and internet coverage from the summit – Limited coverage – if you stand in the right place you can get spots out.